Re: Corperate radio/Clear Channel

["Joseph Pappalardo" <joepappalardo2001@yahoo.com>]

> Given all the recent talk about corporate megalopolies taking over, I'm
> curious -- approximately how much would it cost to start an independent FM
> station from scratch (both in a market like Boston and in a smaller market
> as well)?

The wildcards here are....

*) In a major market, you can't build one from scratch...because no more
will fit adequately(?) onto the radio dial.  So, in a market like Boston,
you would have to buy an existing one.  And being a limited number
available...you would pay thru the nose...even for one that is not currently
making money.  You are paying for it's "potential" money making ability.

*) Real Estate...in Major Markets sometimes finding land to operate on is
prohibitive....(You DID say start from scratch)...wheras finding some land
in the boonies is usually not a problem.  (FInding a place to put the tower
is ALWAYS a problem.)

Given the costs currently involved in aquiring these stations....and running
them...is what leads to a high operating budget...and the need for ever
increasing revenues...  and the cost cutting that you see everywhere.  The
most common is to share expenses among a few stations.  in
Bangor...Cumulus(sp?) needs only 1 GM, 1 CE, 1 receptionist, etc...to
operate 7 different stations.)



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